Today President Joe Biden issued a memorandum promoting tribal consultation and strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships. This memorandum reaffirms the policy set forth in Executive Order 13175, originally issued in 2000. From the memorandum:
American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Nations are sovereign governments recognized under the Constitution of the United States, treaties, statutes, Executive Orders, and court decisions. It is a priority of my Administration to make respect for Tribal sovereignty and self-governance, commitment to fulfilling Federal trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations, and regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal Nations cornerstones of Federal Indian policy. The United States has made solemn promises to Tribal Nations for more than two centuries. Honoring those commitments is particularly vital now, as our Nation faces crises related to health, the economy, racial justice, and climate change — all of which disproportionately harm Native Americans. History demonstrates that we best serve Native American people when Tribal governments are empowered to lead their communities, and when Federal officials speak with and listen to Tribal leaders in formulating Federal policy that affects Tribal Nations.
The memorandum directs federal agencies detailed plans of action to create detailed plans of action for “engaging in regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal officials in the development of Federal policies that have Tribal implications.” Read the full memorandum here.